INSTRUCTIONMANUAL

FOR

RUGER® MARK IIITMSTANDARD, TARGET, GOVERNMENT TARGET,COMPETITION, HUNTER AND 22/45™ MODELS

AUTOLOADING PISTOLS

© 2015 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

This manual may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express writtenpermission of Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

For Service on This Model Please Call:(928) 541-8892 (See p. 34)

THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL SHOULD ALWAYS ACCOMPANY THIS FIREARM AND BETRANSFERRED WITH IT UPON CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP, OR WHEN THE FIREARM IS LOANED

OR PRESENTED TO ANOTHER PERSON

www.ruger.comAP & KAP 9/15 R15

BLUED &STAINLESS

STEEL

CALIBER22 Long Rifle

S

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS ANDWARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL CAREFULLYBEFORE USING THIS FIREARM

– Rugged, Reliable Firearms® –

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State-By-State WarningsCertain states require by law that their own specified warningnotices in larger-than-normal type be conspicuously included bythe manufacturer, distributor or retailer with firearms sold in thatstate. Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. sells its products in compliancewith applicable laws and regulations. Because our products maybe sold in these states, we include the following:

California:

Connecticut:“UNLAWFUL STORAGE OF A LOADED FIREARM MAYRESULT IN IMPRISONMENT OR FINE.”

Florida:“IT IS UNLAWFUL, AND PUNISHABLE BYIMPRISONMENT AND FINE, FOR ANY ADULT TOSTORE OR LEAVE A FIREARM IN ANY PLACE WITHINTHE REACH OR EASY ACCESS OF A MINOR UNDER 18YEARS OF AGE OR TO KNOWINGLY SELL OROTHERWISE TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OR POSSESSIONOF A FIREARM TO A MINOR OR A PERSON OFUNSOUND MIND.”

WARNING

“Children are attracted to andcan operate firearms that cancause severe injuries or death.Prevent child access by alwayskeeping guns locked away andunloaded when not in use. If youkeep a loaded firearm where achild obtains and improperly usesit, you may be fined or sent toprison.”

ADVERTENCIA“A los niños los atraen las armasde fuego y las pueden hacerfuncionar. Ellos pueden causarseslesions graves y la muerte. Eviteque los niños tengan accesso a lasarmas de fuego guardándolassiempre con llave y descargadascuando no las esté utilizando. Siusted tiene un arma de fuegocargada en un lugar en que unniño tiene acceso a ella y la usaindebidamente, le pueden dar unamulta o enviarlo a la carcel.”

Maine:“ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD IS ACRIME. IF YOU LEAVE A FIREARM AND AMMUNITIONWITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD, YOU MAY BESUBJECT TO FINE, IMPRISONMENT OR BOTH. KEEPFIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SEPARATE. KEEPFIREARMS AND AMMUNITION LOCKED UP. USETRIGGER LOCKS.”

Maryland:“WARNING: Children can operate firearms which may causedeath or serious injury. It is a crime to store or leave a loadedfirearm in any location where an individual knew or shouldhave known that an unsupervised minor would gain access tothe firearm. Store your firearm responsibly!”

Massachusetts:“WARNING FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS ATTORNEYGENERAL: This handgun is not equipped with a device thatfully blocks use by unauthorized users. More than 200,000firearms like this one are stolen from their owners every yearin the United States. In addition, there are more than athousand suicides each year by younger children andteenagers who get access to firearms. Hundreds more die fromaccidental discharge. It is likely that many more childrensustain serious wounds, or inflict such wounds accidentally onothers. In order to limit the chance of such misuse, it isimperative that you keep this weapon locked in a secure placeand take other steps necessary to limit the possibility of theftor accident. Failure to take reasonable preventive steps mayresult in innocent lives being lost, and in some circumstancesmay result in your liability for these deaths.”

“IT IS UNLAWFUL TO STORE OR KEEP A FIREARM,RIFLE, SHOTGUN OR MACHINE GUN IN ANY PLACEUNLESS THAT WEAPON IS EQUIPPED WITH ATAMPER-RESISTANT SAFETY DEVICE OR IS STOREDOR KEPT IN A SECURELY LOCKED CONTAINER.”

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New Jersey:“IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE TO LEAVE A LOADEDFIREARM WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A MINOR.”

New York City:“THE USE OF A LOCKING DEVICE OR SAFETY LOCK ISONLY ONE ASPECT OF RESPONSIBLE FIREARMSSTORAGE. FOR INCREASED SAFETY, FIREARMSSHOULD BE STORED UNLOADED AND LOCKED IN ALOCATION THAT IS BOTH SEPARATE FROM THEIRAMMUNITION AND INACCESSIBLE TO CHILDREN ANDOTHER UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS.”

North Carolina:“IT IS UNLAWFUL TO STORE OR LEAVE A FIREARMTHAT CAN BE DISCHARGED IN A MANNER THAT AREASONABLE PERSON SHOULD KNOW IS ACCESSIBLETO A MINOR.”

Texas:“IT IS UNLAWFUL TO STORE, TRANSPORT, ORABANDON AN UNSECURED FIREARM IN A PLACEWHERE CHILDREN ARE LIKELY TO BE AND CANOBTAIN ACCESS TO THE FIREARM.”

Wisconsin:“IF YOU LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM WITHIN THEREACH OR EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD YOU MAY BEFINED OR IMPRISONED OR BOTH IF THE CHILDIMPROPERLY DISCHARGES, POSSESSES, OR EXHIBITSTHE FIREARM.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Please check with your licensed retailer or state police foradditional warnings which may be required by local law orregulation. Such regulations change constantly, and localauthorities are in the best position to advise you on such legalmatters.

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FIREARMS SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

SAFETY MUST BE THE FIRST AND CONSTANTCONSIDERATION OF EVERY PERSON WHO HANDLES

FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION.

This Instruction Manual is designed to assist you in learning how to useand care for your RUGER®Mark IIITM pistols properly. Please contact usif you have any questions.

Only when you are certain you fully understand the manual and canproperly carry out its instructions should you practice loading, unloading,etc. with live ammunition. If you have any doubts about your ability tohandle or use a particular type of gun safely, you should seek supervisedinstruction. Such personalized instruction often is available from localgun retailers, gun clubs or police departments. If none of these sourcescan help, visit www.nra.org or write to the following address:

National Rifle Association11250 Waples Mill RoadFairfax, VA 22030-7400

The person possessing a gun has a full-time job. You cannot guess; youcannot forget. You must know how to use your firearm safely. Do not useany firearm without having a complete understanding of its particularcharacteristics and safe use. Remember: There is no such thing as afoolproof gun.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

State-ByState Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Nomenclature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Locking Device Installation Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Operation of Internal Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10General Information and Mechanical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Operation of Manual Safety (Illustrations) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Ammunition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 To Load and Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Operation of Magazine Disconnect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Operation of Loaded Chamber Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17To Unload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18To Extract and Eject a Chambered Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 To Clear a Malfunction (“Jam”) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21To Minimize Malfunctions (“Jams”) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Reassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Magazine Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Sight Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Changing LitePipe on HiViz Sight (Hunter Models Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Instructions for Attaching Scope Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Muzzle Cap Removal Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Service and Parts Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Shipping Firearms For Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Ordering Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36Exploded Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 & 39Component Parts Lists & Exploded Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 & 41The Basic Rules of Safe Firearms Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

“RUGER“ is a registered U.S. trademark. “22/45” and “Mark III” are Sturm, Ruger Trademarks.

Locking Devices 8 Malfunctions 21Alterations 11 Disassembly 23Manual Safety 13 Lubrication 29Ammunition 14 Storage 30Lead Exposure 14 Barrel Nut - 22/45 LITETM 33Firing 16 Shipping 34Handling 17 Parts Purchasers 35Loaded Chamber Indicator 18

OTHER CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS APPEARTHROUGHOUT THE MANUAL.

WARNINGS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE AREFOUND ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES:

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Bolt

MagazineBottom

MagazineReleaseButton

Bolt Stop

Safety(shown”ON”)

Loaded ChamberIndicator

Rear Sight

Bolt Stop Pin

Front Sight

MuzzleBarrel

ExtractorGrip Frame

Receiver

MainspringHousing

Barrel-ReceiverAssembly

TriggerGuard

Bolt Ears

NOMENCLATUREAll Mark III’s other than 22/45™ Models

Bolt Stop Pin

Rear SightBolt

Barrel-ReceiverAssembly

Front Sight

TriggerGuard

Trigger

Trigger

MagazineReleaseButton

InternalLock

Keyway

InternalLock

Keyway

Bolt Ears

MainspringHousing

MainspringHousingLatch

MainspringHousingLatch

‘Grooved Foot’of Magazine

Muzzle

Safety(shown”ON”)

Bolt StopLoaded Chamber

Indicator

Extractor

Grip Frame

BarrelReceiver

22/45™ Mark III’s (P4GC shown below)

Figure 1

Figure 2

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LOCKING DEVICEINSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

• Always keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction,including when you are installing or removing yourlocking device.

• Always verify that your firearm is completely unloadedbefore installing your locking device.

• Do not install locking devices in the trigger guard;always keep your fingers and locking device outside thetrigger guard during device installation and removal.

• Store firearms, ammunition and keys separately andsecurely, away from children and careless adults; do notstore your firearm with the keys in the locking device.

• Do not attempt to work the action of your firearm withthe locking device in place; this may damage yourfirearm.

• While locking devices are an important aid to securitymeasures, they are not a substitute for safe firearmhandling and proper storage. Remember that anymechanical device can be bypassed with enough time,knowledge, determination and equipment.

LOCKING DEVICES MUST BE USEDSAFELY AND RESPONSIBLY

WARNING – USE OF LOCKING DEVICES

Do not store keysin lock.

Use the Correct Lock:While the basic locking device is substantiallysimilar for all Ruger® firearms, due to the different shapes of the manyRuger® firearms, some firearms utilize different locking devices. The lockwith the 50mm lock body 1-1/2” shackle (without the vinyl coating) is foruse with RUGER® MARK IIITM & 22/45TM pistols. It is veryimportant to use the correct locking device!

To Install the Factory-Supplied Locking Device:1. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and your fingers outside thetrigger guard at all times!

2. Be sure the firearm and its magazine are completely unloaded andcontain no cartridges or cartridge cases! Remove the magazine fromyour pistol.

Correct Installation of Lock ForRuger® Mark III™ & 22/45™ Pistols Only

3. Open the action completely. Use the bolt stop to keep the action openduring installation of the locking device.

4. Apply the lock by placing the shackle of the lock into the slot in thebolt as shown in Figure 3, below.

5. Close the lock by pressing the shackle into the body of the lock (thepart that receives the key) as tightly together as possible. The lock hasbumpers that will not harm the metal finish of your firearm; be carefulnot to dent the frame or grip panels of the pistol.

6. Once the lock is securely closed, remove the key. Pull firmly on thelock to test the connection and be sure it is locked. Do not leave or storeyour firearm with the key in the lock! Store your locked unloadedfirearm and the key in secure, separate locations, away fromammunition, children, or unauthorized adults.

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Figure 3

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OPERATION OF INTERNAL LOCKNever rely upon any safety mechanism or mechanical device to justify unsafe orcareless handling of a firearm. When securing your pistol or to preventunauthorized access, you should completely unload the pistol and store it in agun safe or use the key-operated external locking device supplied with yourpistol. (See Page 8.) However, for added security, and to comply with certainstate and local laws, your RUGER® MARK IIITM pistol is also equipped withan internal lock. When actuated, this internal lock will secure the pistol’smanual safety in the "on" or "safe" position.

Before activating the internal lock on your pistol, first visually inspect thechamber and magazine to verify that they are empty and do not contain anycartridges.

To activate the internal lock, place the manual safety in the "on" or "safe"position. (Note that the pistol must be cocked to engage the safety.) Next, placethe internal lock key (supplied with your pistol) into the internal lock keyway.(See “Nomenclature,” p. 7.) Rotate the key fully clockwise (about 1 3/4 of arotation from the fully unlocked position) until it stops. (See Figure 4.) Removethe key and verify that the internal lock engaged by attempting to move thesafety to the "off" or "fire" position. If the internal lock is engaged, you will notbe able to move the safety to the "off" or "fire" position.

To deactivate the internal lock, place the internal lock key into the internal lockkeyway (see “Nomenclature,” p. 7) and rotate the key counter-clockwise (about 13/4 turns from the fully locked position) until it stops. (See Figure 4.)

Be sure to store the internal lock key in a secure location, away from childrenand careless adults. Do not store your firearm with the key in the internal lockkeyway. Never lock a loaded gun – always unload the gun before locking.

OPERATION OF INTERNAL LOCK

Lock “On”

Lock “Off”Figure 4

Place ManualSafety “On”Before Locking

WARNING–ALTERATIONSThis product was designed tofunction properly in its originalcondition. Alterations can make itunsafe. Do not alter any part or addor substitute parts or accessories notmade by Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

DO NOT ALTER ANY GUN

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FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS WEAPONSREAD THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS

MANUAL THOROUGHLY AND CAREFULLYBEFORE USING.

GENERAL INFORMATIONAND MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS

RUGER® MARK IIITM pistols are differentiated from Ruger Mark I and MarkII pistols by certain external differences in markings and exterior components(magazine latch, bolt, ejection port, sights, and grip configuration) and by thepresence of certain new features for which patents are pending such as internallocks, loaded chamber indicators, and magazine disconnects.

The RUGER® MARK IIITM Standard model is a .22 caliber rimfire, 10-shot,magazine fed, autoloading (‘blowback’) operated pistol.

The RUGER® Government Target Model MARK IIITM has alonger, heavyweight barrel just like pistols delivered to the U.S. Government fortarget shooting and training.

The RUGER® Competition Model MARK IIITM has a slab-sided,heavyweight barrel with target grips.

The RUGER® 22/45TM has a grip frame assembly made of molded syntheticpolymer, with a grip shape and angle generally similar to “1911”-style .45 caliberpistols.

RUGER® MARK IIITM Hunter models feature a 6 7/8” target-crowned,fluted bull barrel, a micro-adjustable V-notch rear sight, and a HiViz® light-gathering front sight.

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All RUGER® MARK IIITM pistols have the same basic operating mechanismand include the following features with which the gun user should bethoroughly familiar:

Bolt Stop: When the last shot has been fired and the magazine is empty, thebolt stop automatically holds the bolt open. When there is an empty magazine inthe pistol and the bolt is retracted manually, the bolt stop will automatically holdthe bolt open. If a loaded magazine is inserted in the pistol when the bolt isclosed and the bolt is then retracted fully, the bolt stop will not automaticallyhold open the bolt. The user can actuate the bolt stop mechanism to hold thebolt open at any time by retracting the bolt and pushing up the bolt stop.

The bolt stop can be released when an empty magazine is in the pistol bydrawing back slightly on the bolt and depressing the bolt stop thumbpiece. Whenthe bolt is released, it will move forward under pressure from the recoil spring.

The bolt stop is spring-loaded or detented in position. Therefore, when there is aloaded magazine in place and the pistol is jarred, the bolt may fly forward andchamber a cartridge. For this reason and as an essential safety practice, thesafety of the pistol should always be in the “on” (S) position except when theuser is firing the gun at a selected target.

Magazines: The 10-shot magazine (Part M10MKIII) for the RUGER® MARKIIITM pistol is different from all other Ruger rimfire pistols. In addition to thefamiliar removable plastic bottom decorated with a silver “eagle,” the M10MKIIImagazine has a trigger interlock window and protrusion. (See “MagazineNomenclature,” p. 27.) The M10MKIII is the only magazine that should be usedin RUGER® MARK IIITM pistols because it is designed to correctly functionthe bolt stop and magazine disconnect.

The RUGER® 22/45TM pistol uses a different 10-shot magazine (PartAP10MKIII) which is identified by its removable elongated plastic bottom. TheAP10MKIII magazine is distinguishable from earlier 22/45 magazines by thepresence of the trigger interlock window and protrusion. (See “MagazineNomenclature,” p. 27.) Note that the AP10MKIII is not interchangeable with theM10MKIII magazine described above. (See “Magazine Nomenclature,” p. 27.) TheAP10MKIII is the only magazine that should be used in the RUGER® 22/45TMpistols because it is designed to correctly function the bolt stop and magazinedisconnect.

OPERATION OF MANUAL SAFETY

Putting the safety between “S” and “F” canresult in the pistol firing when the triggeris pulled. Always move the safety fully to itsintended position and check it. The safetyis not “on” unless it is completely “on.”Never depend on a safety mechanism orany other mechanical device to justifycareless handling or permitting the pistolto point in an unsafe direction. The only“safe” pistol is one in which the bolt isopen, the chamber is empty and there is nomagazine in the gun.

Figure 5. Safety in the “off” or “fire” (F)position. Safety is all the way down.

Figure 6. Safety in the “on” or “safe” (S)position. Safety is all the way up.

WARNING–MANUAL SAFETY

NEVER PUT SAFETY 1/2 ON

The Safety is not “on” unless it “clicks” fully up into the “S” position.

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Safety: The safety locks the sear when the safety is “on.” Because the safetycannot be moved to its “on” (S) position unless the hammer is cocked, the safetytherefore serves as a cocking indicator. The bolt can be manually retracted andreleased when the safety is “on” (S). This feature allows the pistol to be loaded orunloaded when the safety is “on” (S). As shown below and elsewhere in thisManual, the safety should be “on” (the “S” fully showing) at all times exceptwhen the gun user is deliberately positioned to fire at a selected target.

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WARNING–AMMUNITION

IMPROPER AMMUNITIONDESTROYS GUNS

AMMUNITION (CARTRIDGES) NOTICEWE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGEOR INJURY WHATSOEVER OCCURRING IN CONNECTION WITH,OR AS THE RESULT OF, THE USE IN RUGER® PISTOLS OF FAULTY,

OR NONSTANDARD OR “REMANUFACTURED” ORHANDLOADED (RELOADED) AMMUNITION OR OF CARTRIDGES

OTHER THAN THOSE FOR WHICH THE FIREARM WASORIGINALLY CHAMBERED.

Death, serious injury, and damage can resultfrom the wrong ammunition, boreobstructions, powder overloads or incorrectcartridge components. .22 cases are very thinand sometimes split when fired. Always wearshooting glasses and hearing protection.

AMMUNITIONThe RUGER® MARK IIITM and 22/45TM pistols are chambered only for the 22Long Rifle cartridge, standard velocity or high velocity, manufactured to U.S.Industry Standards. Do not attempt to load 22 Long, 22 Short or any other type.22 caliber cartridge into the magazine or in the chamber of the pistol. Use of .22shot shells is not recommended. See “Warning - Malfunctions,” p. 21.

WARNING – LEAD EXPOSUREDischarging firearms in poorly ventilatedareas, cleaning firearms or handlingammunition may result in exposure tolead and other substances known to theState of California to cause birth defects,reproductive harm, and other seriousphysical injury. Have adequate ventilationat all times. Wash hands thoroughly afterexposure.

SHOOTING OR CLEANING GUNSMAY EXPOSE YOU TO LEAD

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4. Engage the safety by moving it fully upward so the “S” shows completely. (SeeFigure 6, p. 13.)

5. Put ten (10) or fewer 22 Long Rifle cartridges into the magazine. In loadingthe magazine make sure that all of the cartridges lie parallel and evenly in themagazine. The follower button on the left side of the magazine is used to lowerthe follower so the cartridges can be readily inserted.

CAUTION: When using the follower button, have it under control.When loading or handling the magazine, do not pull the button downand then release it suddenly. The rim of the cartridge hitting themagazine lips may set off a sensitive primer and cause the cartridgecase to discharge, burst violently, and result in injury.

6. Insert magazine into pistol, taking care that the magazine is fully inserted andlocked in place. NOTE: Be sure the magazine follower button is to the left asyou insert the magazine into the pistol. Inserting the magazine backwardsmay cause the magazine to become lodged in place. Slamming the magazineinto the grip frame is not necessary.

7. Don’t touch the trigger. Pull the bolt to the rear as far as it will go. (See Figure4, above.) Release the bolt so that it will fly forward. (On 22/45 models, thebolt stop must also be depressed to permit the bolt to fly forward.) This willplace a cartridge into the firing chamber. If the pistol is not to be firedimmediately, the safety button should remain “on” — with the “S” showing.(See Figure 6, p. 13.)

Figure 7

TO LOAD AND FIREPractice this important aspect of gun handing (with an unloaded pistol) until youcan perform each of the steps — described below — with skill and confidence.But before you do anything with the pistol, first read completely through thismanual.

1. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. (See Rule 2, p. 43.)

2. Push the magazine release button and pull the magazine down out of the gripframe by its foot.

3. Grasp the grooved ears of the bolt and pull the bolt to the rear as far as it willgo. (See Figure 7, below.) This cocks the hammer and must be done before thesafety can be put on.

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WARNING–FIRING

9. Immediately following the firing of a shot, and if a subsequent shot is not to befired at once, put the safety in its “safe” position while the pistol is stillpointing in a safe direction down range. Never put a loaded pistol down withthe safety off!

BOLT OPENS FAST -HOT BRASS EJECTED

The bolt automatically opens and shutsquickly while firing. Keep face andhands away from rear. Hot brass isejected quickly and can burn you. Alwayswear shooting glasses and hearingprotectors.

KEEP SAFETY ON

8. The pistol is ready for instant use once the safety is disengaged. Firing willautomatically reload and recock the pistol. Note that every time the trigger ispulled, if a cartridge is in the chamber and the safety is “off,” the pistol willfire — be careful!

Once the safety is pushed down so the “F” shows, the pistol will fire a cartridgeeach time the trigger is pulled, until all of the cartridges in the magazine, andthe one in the chamber, have been fired.

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WARNING–HANDLING

ANY GUN MAY FIRE IF DROPPED

10. When the last cartridge loaded into the pistol has been fired, the magazinefollower presses the slide stop upward to engage the slide automaticallyholding the action open. If the slide is shut, the shooter should alwaysassume that there is a cartridge in the chamber!

Don’t rely on your memory to know if a gun or magazine is loaded. With thepistol pointed in a safe direction, visually inspect the magazine and the chamber.

If dropped or struck with the safety“off,” the pistol may fire. Keepchamber empty unless actuallyfiring! Keep safety “on” unlessactually firing!

OPERATION OF MAGAZINE DISCONNECT

Your RUGER® MARK IIITM pistol is equipped with a magazine disconnect.This device prevents the trigger from being pulled if the magazine is removedfrom the pistol. You will not be able to use your pistol as a single loader or tofire the pistol with the magazine removed.

Remember that a round may still be in the chamber and that the pistol may stillbe loaded even if the magazine is removed. As always, you should not rely uponthe magazine disconnect or any other mechanical device or safety to justifycareless or unsafe handling of any firearm.

Don’t rely on your memory to know if a gun or magazine is loaded. With thepistol pointed in a safe direction, visually inspect the magazine and the chamber.

OPERATION OFLOADED CHAMBER INDICATOR

You should always treat every gun as though it is loaded and always keep themuzzle pointed in a safe direction. Never rely upon any safety or mechanicaldevice to justify unsafe or careless gun handling. In order to assist you indetermining the presence of a cartridge in the chamber of your RUGER®

MARK IIITM pistol, it is equipped with a loaded chamber indicator, the firstsuch device on a .22 caliber pistol. The indicator appears on the left side of thereceiver. (See “Nomenclature,” p. 7.)

When the chamber is empty, the loaded chamber indicator should be flush withthe left side of the receiver. (See Figure 8A, p. 18.)

When the chamber is loaded, the rearmost portion of the loaded chamberindicator should protrude from the left side of the receiver, and a red dot alsoshould be visible on the forward top portion of the loaded chamber indicator.(See Figure 8B, below.)

TO UNLOADNOTE: This sequence must be followed exactly as spelled out. Failure to do so canresult in the pistol’s chamber becoming unintentionally loaded with a cartridge.

1. The muzzle of the pistol must be pointing in a safe direction at all times, andfingers must be outside the trigger guard. If the pistol is cocked, put the safety“on” (S) by pushing safety button fully upward.

2. Remove the magazine from the pistol and place it where it will not get damagedor collect dirt. (REMEMBER that even though the magazine has been removed,a cartridge may still be in the chamber.)

3. Firmly hold pistol in right hand so that the right thumb is directly underneaththe bolt stop. Grasp bolt ears firmly between thumb and forefinger of left hand

Figure 8BFigure 8A

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OPERATION OF LOADED CHAMBER INDICATOR

Chamber Empty

IndicatorFlush

With Side

IndicatorProtrudes

FromSide -

Red Dotand

“Loaded”Visible

Cartridge in Chamber

NEVER RELY ON YOUR MEMORY OR ANY LOADED CHAMBERINDICATOR TO KNOW IF A GUN IS LOADED. ANYMECHANICAL DEVICE CAN FAIL. ALWAYS VISUALLY CHECK THE

CHAMBER BY RETRACTING THE BOLT AND EXAMINING THE CHAMBERTO BE SURE WHETHER IT IS EMPTY OR LOADED.

and briskly retract the bolt to its rearmost position. As the bolt nears the endof its retraction, the chambered cartridge should be extracted and ejected.When the bolt is fully retracted, push upward on bolt stop with thumb, thenallow bolt to move forward slowly until it comes to rest against the bolt stop.

Always visually double check the chamber and the interior area of the receiverand the magazine-well to be certain there are no cartridges present. Gentlyshake the pistol to dislodge any cartridge which may have been ejected intothe magazine-well when the bolt was retracted.

1

2 3

19

1

2

43

Safety “ON”

CORRECT UNLOADING SEQUENCE

20

4. If desired, the bolt can be left in the open position, being held there by the boltstop. If it is desired to close the bolt, again look to be certain the chamber isempty. Assuming that the magazine is not in the pistol and that the safety is“on” (S), retract the bolt to its rearmost position, release it, and the bolt willsnap forward (on Mark III™ models). On 22/45™ models the bolt stop buttonmust be depressed. Keep your fingers out of the receiver!

5. With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, push the safety to the “off” (F)position and pull the trigger to decock the pistol. The pistol can be dry fired aslong as the firing pin stop is in place (see NOTE in step 5 on page 25).

6. If the magazine contains cartridges, they can be removed by pressing downslightly on the magazine button (to ease the spring tension) with the thumb,and then sliding the cartridges forward and out of the magazine, one at a timeuntil emptied.

7. Push empty (unloaded) magazine into grip frame until the latch locks it inplace.

TO EXTRACT AND EJECT A CHAMBERED CARTRIDGE

When the pistol is fired, the same gas pressure that drives the bullet forward alsoacts through the cartridge case to push the bolt to the rear. That action causesextraction and ejection of the fired cartridge case. But, when the bolt is operatedby hand, there can be a failure to extract the cartridge from the chamber, or afailure to eject the cartridge clear of the pistol. These failures usually are theresult of the bolt not being pulled rearward vigorously, coupled with anaccumulation of bullet lubricant in the chamber. From the foregoing it is clearthat the gun user must:

1. Always visually check the chamber after opening the bolt to eject a chamberedcartridge. If the bolt is not vigorously retracted when being operated by hand,the extracted cartridge can be ‘ejected’ into the grip frame of the magazine-well.

2. Thoroughly clean the chamber and extractor as often as necessary to preventthe accumulation of grease and dirt.

3. If an empty magazine is in the pistol when the bolt is being hand retracted toextract a cartridge, the cartridge may drop on top of the magazine. Then whenthe bolt goes forward, the cartridge will be chambered again! Always removethe magazine before clearing the chamber, and visually ensure that nocartridges remain in the gun.

21

WARNING–MALFUNCTIONS

TO CLEAR A MALFUNCTION (“JAM”)1. Be certain the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction and the safety is “on” (S).

2. If possible, first remove the magazine. It may be necessary to manuallyremove a jammed cartridge which has only partially been stripped from themagazine. If so, use extreme care. Lock the bolt open with the bolt stopbefore attempting to clear the jam. Drawing the bolt fully to the rear maybring the jammed cartridge along. Keep your face away from the ejectionport during this operation. When attempting to clear a jam, use only wood“tools” so that a cartridge will not be ignited if you strike a primer and sothat the chamber and magazine will not be damaged. A 3/16" wood dowel rodwith a point on one end is useful.

3. Visually check to make sure all cartridges have been removed from the pistol.Safely dispose of any cartridges involved in a malfunction incident. Do notuse damaged ammunition in any firearm.

CRUSHING RIM CAN BURST AMMO

The 22 Long Rifle rimfire cartridge fires whenthe firing pin impacts the relatively softcartridge case rim, and also can be “discharged”before it is chambered if its rim receives a sharpblow. If a cartridge hangs up, jams or bindswhen being chambered or when being fed fromthe magazine into the chamber, do not attemptto force it into the chamber by pushing orstriking the bolt. Any jam or feeding problem isa signal to immediately stop using the gun untilit can be determined what is wrong. Mostfailures of a cartridge to feed or to chamber arecaused by a damaged magazine, improper gunhandling or defective ammunition. Whateverthe cause, rimfire cartridge jams can result inthe potentially very dangerous situation of acartridge discharging before it is chambered. Ifthis occurs, the cartridge case will rupture andits fragments will fly out of the gun withsufficient force to cause injury. Always wearshooting glasses and hearing protectors! Keepface away from chamber!

TO MINIMIZE MALFUNCTIONS (“JAMS”)1. If it appears that the gun and magazine are not at fault and that the jam was

caused by the type of cartridge being used, then try another type.

2. If changing to another type or brand of cartridges does not at once eliminatemalfunctions, then the following steps should be taken:

22

a. Make certain the gun and the magazine are unloaded and that thesafety is “on” (S). Remember, the magazine should be removed first, thencheck the chamber and be certain it and the magazine-well are clear ofcartridges.

b. Thoroughly clean the magazine and bolt mechanism, paying particularattention to removing accumulated grease. Use a bristle brush andsolvent to remove grease and fouling from the bolt face, the extractor, thechamber, and the feed ramp. (See the “Care and Cleaning” section onpage 28 of this manual for detailed cleaning instructions.)

c. Check to see that the magazine spring tension is adequate.

d. Check the magazine lips to be certain they are free of nicks and burrsand are not deformed.

e. Remove excess oil and solvent from all cleaned components, load themagazine, and try the firearm again. As always, proceed slowly. Be certainbystanders are not close and that you are wearing eye and hearingprotection and that your face is a safe distance from the pistol so that anydischarge resulting from a jammed cartridge will not injure anyone.

If the above procedures do not result in a smooth and reliably functioning firearm,don’t use the gun. The pistol can be returned directly to our Prescott CustomerService Department for repair. See the Service and Parts Policy section of thismanual for packing and shipping information.

Another precaution: when using any firearm chambered for rimfire cartridges,form the habit of examining fired cartridge cases. If they have bulged heads orfrequently show splits on any part of the case, the rifle or pistol should be returnedto the factory for inspection.

DISASSEMBLYAn on-line video demonstrating the disassembly and reassembly of the Mark IIIpistol can be viewed by going to www.ruger.com/resources/videos and thenselecting “Ruger Tech Tips.”

Although RUGER® MARK IIITM pistols are designed to be disassembled andreassembled without the use of tools, some “tools” may be useful in the process,particularly when the pistols are new. Tools that may be useful include: (1) a softrubber/plastic mallet; (2) a paper clip; and (3) a wooden dowel (1/8” - 1/4”diameter).

1. Before beginning disassembly, be certain that the muzzle is pointed in a safedirection and that the safety is "on" (S) if the pistol is cocked. Remove themagazine and carefully check it to verify that it is completely empty. Draw thebolt fully rearward and visually inspect the chamber to be certain that there isno cartridge in it and then release the bolt. Insert the empty magazine intothe magazine well until it "clicks" and is fully in place. Disengage the internallock, if necessary. (See p. 10.) Place the safety in the "off" (F) position. Pointthe pistol in a safe direction and pull the trigger to be sure the hammer hasfallen. The hammer must be uncocked before the pistol can be disassembled.Remove the empty magazine.

1

2 3 Always unload a firearmbefore cleaning, lubrication,disassembly or assembly.

2. Insert a blunt, ‘pointed’ instrument in the oval recess of the mainspringhousing (at the back of the grip) and swing the housing latch open (similarto the operation of a pocket knife). Some users find that a paper clip, loopedover the latch, is an ideal ‘instrument’ for this phase of disassembly.

3. Swing the entire housing outward on its pivot and pull downward, removingthe mainspring housing and bolt stop pin. With new pistols it may benecessary to lightly tap (with a plastic hammer and wooden dowel) on thetop portion of the bolt stop pin—which protrudes above the receiver—whilepulling downward on the mainspring housing. Be careful not to damage therear sight.

4. Fully insert the empty magazine into the frame. Point the muzzle upward ina safe direction and pull the trigger rearward. The bolt will drop out of thereceiver or it can readily be removed. Remove the magazine.

5. With the mainspring housing, bolt stop pin, (as an assembly), bolt andmagazine removed, a forward blow (with a plastic hammer) on the rear ofthe receiver will disengage the barrel-receiver assembly from the grip frame.No attempt should be made to remove rivets or staked pins. Furtherdisassembly should be undertaken only by the factory.

REASSEMBLY(The procedure is the same for all RUGER® MARK IIITM pistols.)

1. Be certain the pistol is free ofcartridges! The safety must bein the "off" (F) position forreassembly.

2. Keep your finger off thetrigger. Place the hammer inthe horizontal (cocked) position.(The hammer is visible bylooking down on the grip frameand is the rectangular objectinside the grip frame and nearthe rear. See Figure 6.)

23

Figure 6

Hammer

F

UNLOAD BEFORECLEANING

WARNING – DISASSEMBLY

24

If you cannot place the hammer in the horizontalposition, it is most likely because the hammer strut istrapped behind the crosspin (see Figure 7 – notapplicable to 22/45™ models). If this occurs, lift thehammer to free the hammer strut from behind thecrosspin and then move the hammer into thehorizontal position.

If the hammer has been rotated too far forward, it alsomay be difficult to rotate backwards. Inserting theempty magazine fully into the magazine well will allowthe hammer to rotate backwards into a horizontalposition. Once the hammer is horizontal, remove theempty magazine.

Before placing the barrel receiver onto the frame,make sure that the loaded chamber indicator pin (KeyNo. 7 in the exploded view drawing on p. 41) has notfallen out of the receiver.

HAMMER STRUT

CROSSPIN

Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

4. Fully insert the empty magazine back intothe magazine well. Point the muzzle up in asafe direction and pull the trigger. Gravityshould cause the hammer to return to thecocked position if it became dislodged in step3 (see Figure 9). If not, reach into the rear ofthe receiver and push the hammer back downflat (into the horizontal position). When thehammer is in this position, remove the emptymagazine.

Figure 9

3. Place the barrel receiver on top of theframe so that the square lug engages thesquare front recess on the underside ofthe receiver (see Figure 8A). Push thebarrel rearward until it stops, with therear end of the receiver slightly over-hanging the rear end of the grip frame(see Figure 8B). If alignment cannot beachieved by hand pressure, place thepistol (muzzle down) on a padded benchand strike the rear of the grip frameimmediately below the receiver with aplastic or wooden mallet. Be careful notto damage the grip frame.

5. Be sure the bolt stop is inthe down position. If it isnot, you will not be able toinsert the bolt into thereceiver. NOTE: Beforesliding the bolt into thereceiver, BE CERTAIN thatthe firing pin stop (Key No.18 on pg. 41, a small pin) isin the bolt. (See Figure 10.)Without this pin, the firsttime the trigger is pulled on an assembled pistol, the firing pin will fly forwardso far as to irreparably dent the rear end of the chamber of the barrel, makingthe pistol useless. Now, slide the bolt (with the recoil spring upward) fullyforward into the receiver. (See Figure 10.)

6. Insert the empty magazine into themagazine well, point the muzzle toward theground in a safe direction and pull the trigger.The hammer should fall to its full forwardposition. If it does not, retract the boltpartially and manipulate the hammer throughthe slot in the rear of the frame until thehammer is in its full forward position.

Point the muzzle toward the ground. Withthe pistol in this position, hold themainspring housing bolt stop pin assemblyand press the bolt stop pin through the holesin the receiver and bolt until the tip of the pinprotrudes beyond the top of the receiver. (SeeFigure 11.) You may need to tap themainspring housing into position with arubber or wooden mallet. The pin must befully in place to close the latch in Step 8. Do not yet move the mainspringhousing into the frame.

FIRINGPIN STOP

25

Figure 10

Figure 11

PUSH UP UNTILBOLT STOP PINPROTRUDES HERE

TIP OFHAMMER

STRUT

OVAL CUTINSIDE

MAINSPRINGHOUSING

Figure 12

7. (For 22/45™ models, skip to7A.) Now invert the pistol so thatthe muzzle is pointed upward.Make sure you can see the hammerstrut when you lift the housing up.The hammer strut should go intothe oval-shaped cut inside themainspring housing. (See Figure12.) Hold the trigger to the rear.

8. The housing latch can now be snapped shut,completing assembly. (See Figure 14.) Springpressure should be felt just before the housing isfully shut if the internal parts are correctlyaligned.

9. To determine if reassembly was performedcorrectly, pull the bolt backward and verify thatit opens fully. If not, open the latch and repeatsteps 6 - 8, above.

10. Replace empty magazine, point pistol in asafe direction and pull the trigger to uncock the gun. Guns should not be storedloaded or cocked.

26

IF YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY REASSEMBLING THE PISTOL,HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL TIPS!

If the mainspring housing pulls out of the gun when swung in, the barrel/receiver assembly is not fully rearward on the frame. Repeat step 3, above.

Remember that it is essential that the hammer must be in its vertical, uncockedposition as the mainspring housing is swung shut. If the housing is excessivelydifficult to close, the hammer is probably cocked. Repeat steps 6-9, above.

The foregoing may give the impression that reassembly is difficult, but it isquickly and easily done once properly learned.

Figure 14

While holding the pistol in this positionand depressing the trigger, move themainspring housing into its proper placein the frame. (See Figure 13.)

7A. For 22/45™ models ONLY: Now invertthe pistol so that the muzzle is pointedupward. Make sure you can see thehammer strut when you lift the housingup. The hammer strut should go into theoval-shaped cutout inside the mainspringhousing (see Figure 12). While holding thepistol in this position and depressing thetrigger, close the mainspring housing asfar as it will go without excessive pressure. Holding the mainspring housing inthis position, release the trigger and remove the magazine. Once the magazine isremoved, the mainspring housing will close the rest of the way.

Figure 13

MAGAZINE NOMENCLATURE

MAGAZINE DISASSEMBLYAlways wear safety glasses when

disassembling or reassembling a magazine!

TO DISASSEMBLE MAGAZINE: Withdraw magazine from pistol and remove allcartridges (check chamber to be certain no cartridge remains in it). Holdmagazine upside down in left hand so that the hole in the Magazine Block isaccessible.

1. With right hand, insert drift punch in hole and depress Magazine BlockRetaining Plunger approximately 1/4".

2. Slide Magazine Block forward slowly BEING VERY CAREFUL TO KEEPPLUNGER AND SPRING UNDER CONTROL. If not contained, these parts will flyout with considerable force. Therefore keep bottom end of magazine pointedaway from persons and objects.

3. With the Magazine Block fully removed, the Plunger and Spring should beslowly withdrawn.

4. Now, holding magazine flat in left hand, align the Magazine Follower Buttonwith circular opening near the lower end of magazine body and lift out theMagazine Follower Button.

5. The Magazine Follower can then be removed.

Reassemble in reverse order, being careful to contain the Spring and Plunger asthe Magazine Bottom is slid and locked into place. After reassembly has beencompleted, test Magazine Follower to ensure it has free movement.

Always ‘ride’ the Magazine Follower Button up and down with your thumb.Do not lower Follower Button and then permit it to snap up.

27

FOR 22/45™ONLY

FOR ALL OTHER RUGER®MARK III™ PISTOLS

28

MAGAZINE DISASSEMBLY

3

5

1 42

Slide BlockForward

Push UpRemoveButton

Remove Spring& Plunger

Remove Follower

DAMAGED, NON-STANDARD OR IMPROPERLYASSEMBLED MAGAZINES SHOULD NOT BE USED.THEY CAN CAUSE THE PISTOL TO MALFUNCTION.

CARE AND CLEANINGMake Sure Gun is Unloaded!

Before cleaning, be certain the pistol and its magazine are unloaded. (See “ToUnload,” p. 18.)

At regular intervals, or whenever the pistol has been exposed to sand, dust,extreme humidity, condensation, immersion in water or other adverseconditions, disassemble, clean, and oil it. Proper periodic maintenance isessential to the reliable functioning of any firearm.

An on-line video demonstrating the proper cleaning procedure of the Mark III®

pistol can be viewed by going to www.ruger.com/resources/videos and thenselecting “Ruger Tech Tips.”

To clean the pistol, proceed as follows;

1. Disassemble (field-strip) the pistol to the extent described on pages 22 - 23.

2. Using a cleaning rod, run a properly sized, solvent-wetted patch through thebore several times. Then attach a solvent-wetted bristle brush to a cleaningrod and run it back and forth the full length of the bore as many times asnecessary to remove grease and dirt from the bore and chamber. Clean borewith dry patches and examine. Bore fouling can contribute to reducedaccuracy, and grease accumulation in the chamber can interfere with properfeeding of cartridges from the magazine.

3. Using powder solvent on a clean patch or bristle brush, remove powderresidue from all components of the pistol. After cleaning, run a dry patchthrough the bore, then follow with a patch that is very lightly oiled. Wipe allsurfaces clean with a cloth, then wipe all surfaces with a patch or cloth thathas been very lightly oiled.

4. NOTE: Only a light application of oil is needed to provide adequate lubricationof moving parts and to prevent rust. Excess accumulations of oil tend toattract particles of dust and dirt and may congeal in cold weather which caninterfere with the safe and reliable function of the pistol.

5. If magazine becomes dirty, it should be disassembled and thoroughly cleaned(see “Magazine Disassembly” section, p. 27).

6. Before firing remove all oil and grease from the bore.

29

IMPROPER LUBRICATIONDESTROYS GUNS

Firing a pistol with oil, grease, or any othermaterial even partially obstructing the boremay result in damage to the pistol andserious injury to the shooter and thosenearby.

Do not spray or apply lubricants directly onammunition. If the powder of a cartridge isaffected by the lubricant, it may not beignited, but the primer firing may push thebullet into the bore where it may becomelodged. Firing a subsequent bullet into theobstructed bore may damage the pistol andcause serious injury or death to the shooterand those nearby. Use lubricants properly.You are responsible for the proper care andmaintenance of your firearms.

WARNING – LUBRICATION

30

STORAGEGUNS SHOULD NOT BE STORED LOADED!

Do not keep the pistol stored in a leather holster or case. Leather attractsmoisture, even though the holster or case may appear to be perfectly dry.

USE THE LOCKING DEVICE SUPPLIEDWITH THE PISTOL TO RENDER ITINOPERATIVE FOR SAFE STORAGE.

(SEE PAGE 8)

•Never place or store any firearm insuch a manner that it may bedislodged. Firearms should always bestored securely and unloaded, awayfrom children and careless adults.

•Use the locking device supplied withthe pistol for storage. The use of alocking device or safety lock is only oneaspect of responsible firearms storage.

•For increased safety, firearms shouldbe stored unloaded in a location that isboth separate from their ammunitionand inaccessible to children and anyother unauthorized person.

STORE SECURELY & UNLOADED

WARNING–STORAGE

SIGHT ADJUSTMENTThe Standard RUGER® MARK IIITM pistol is equipped with a rear sight whichis adjustable for windage only. The rear sight can be drifted laterally in itsdovetail on the top of the slide by tapping it with a wooden or plastic headedhammer or similar implement. The front sight is fixed. Target models areequipped with adjustable sights. Turning the top (elevation) sight adjustmentscrew clockwise lowers the impact of the shot. Turning the horizontal (windage)sight adjustment screw clockwise moves the impact of the shot to the left.

31

SUGGESTED SIGHT PICTURE

Top of front sight even with top ofrear sight blade. Front sightcentered in notch of rear sightblade. Target bull’s-eye centered ontop of front sight.

SUGGESTED SIGHT PICTURE FORV-NOTCH REAR SIGHTS

(Ruger® Mark III® Hunter Models)

A v-notch express sight is designed tobe used as a point of aim/point ofimpact sighting system. Therecommended sight picture for thistype of system is to place the roundfront sight bead, regardless of the sizeof the bead, at the bottom of the v-notch in the rear sight. The front sightbead should be pointed directly at theintended target.

CHANGING THE LITEPIPEON YOUR HiViz® SIGHT

(Ruger Mark IIITM Hunter Models Only)1. Point the muzzle in a safe direction.

2. Make sure that the magazine and the pistol are completely unloaded.

3. Place the thin tab on the HiViz® key between the LitePipe and the sight base.This will compress the locking spring, allowing you to carefully pull theLitePipe out of the supporting rings. Remove the key.

4. Slide the new LitePipe into the sight base. You will have to lightly press downon the rounded end as it enters the far supported ring to compress thelocking spring.

32

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ATTACHINGTHE SCOPE BASE

(Target Model Only)1. Remove the filler screws from the top of the receiver.

2. Degrease the screw holes in the receiver.

3. Degrease the scope base screws.

4. After the degreased areas are dry, place a drop of blue LOCTITE®

adhesive/sealant or equivalent to the scope base screws.

5. Set the scope base on the receiver with the side notch aligned with theejection port of the receiver.

6. Install the scope base screws and tighten.

7. Set the assembled pistol aside overnight to allow the adhesive to set up.

RUGER® 22/45TM

THREADED BARREL MODELSmuzzle cap removal instructions

Some Ruger® 22/45TM pistols come equipped with a threaded barrel and isprotected by a removable muzzle cap. The cap protects the 1/2-28 threads at theend of the barrel which is designed to accommodate a 22 Long Rifle soundsuppressor.

To remove the muzzle cap, point the pistol in a safe direction, remove themagazine, and keep your finger off the trigger. Retract the bolt to the rear, andlock it to the rear by pushing up on the bolt lock. Verify that the chamber isempty. Depress the bolt lock to close the bolt. Keep your fingers out of thereceiver!

Hold the upper receiver/barrel section of the pistol firmly in your left hand, andturn the muzzle cap counter-clockwise, until removed from the threaded portionof the barrel. (See Figure 15a.) Gripping the muzzle cap by the knurled sectionwill aid in twisting the cap free. Remove the cap and the wave washer under thecap (See Figure 15b.) and store them in a safe place for reinstallation when thesuppressor is removed.

Figure 15a Figure 15b

33

WARNING – BARREL NUTWhen removing the muzzle cap from theRuger® 22/45 LITE™, a barrel nut isbehind the cap and washer. This nut isused to lock the barrel in place. This nutshould never be loosened, removed ortampered with. This nut is epoxied andtorqued in place at the factory. This nut ismeant to remain in place and should notbe removed under any circumstance.Failure to follow this warning will causepermanent damage to your firearm andwill not be warranted or repaired byCustomer Service.

DO NOT REMOVEBARREL NUT

Install the suppressor per the manufacturer’s instructions. (See Figure 16.) Whena suppressor is not being used, reinstall the wave washer and muzzle cap toensure the threads at the end of the barrel are protected.

NOTE: The warning below applies to the Ruger® 22/45 LITETM pistols only.

Figure 16

DO NOT RemoveBarrel Nut

SERVICE AND PARTS POLICYIf you have any questions with regard to the performance of your RUGER®

MARK IIITM pistol, please call (928-541-8892) or write our Prescott, ArizonaCustomer Service Department, fully describing all circumstances and conditionsinvolved. If you should return your pistol to the factory for repair, or order partsfor it, please comply with the following suggestions for prompt service:

34

SHIPPING FIREARMS FOR REPAIRRUGER® MARK IIITM pistols returned to the factory for service or repair shouldbe sent to: Ruger, Customer Service Department, 200 Ruger Road, Prescott, AZ86301-6181. NOTE: You must obtain a Repair Authorization Number beforereturning your firearm. An authorization number can be obtained by contactingCustomer Service online at www.ruger.com or calling the Customer Service Dept. at928-541-8892. Guns should be sent prepaid. We will not accept collect shipments.

The Federal Gun Control Act, as well as the laws of most states and localities, do notprohibit an individual (who is not otherwise barred from purchasing or possessing afirearm) from shipping a firearm directly to the manufacturer for repair. However,before you ship your firearm to us, be certain that your state or locality does not havea law or regulation which will prohibit you from receiving it from us after it has beenrepaired. If such receiving is prohibited, then please have a Federally Licensedfirearms dealer ship the gun to us. If it is sent to us by a dealer, it will be returned tothat dealer after being repaired. If a handgun (pistol or revolver) is shipped by anindividual who does not hold a Federal Firearms License, it must be shipped forovernight delivery via U.P.S., Federal Express, or other similar private overnightservice. NOTE: Handguns may not be shipped via U.S. Mail. Persons who do not holda Federal Firearms License are prohibited by Federal law from shipping a handgun byMail. Handguns mailed in violation of the law are impounded by the Post Office.

Please do not include holster, custom grip panels or custom accessories with afirearm being shipped to the factory for service. DO NOT SEND GUN BOXES ORLITERATURE THAT YOU CONSIDER TO BE COLLECTOR’S ITEMS - THESEARE INVARIABLY DAMAGED OR DESTROYED IN SHIPMENT. Always insureyour shipment.

Enclose a letter which includes your name, address, telephone number, serialnumber and model of the firearm and your repair authorization number. Describe indetail the trouble you have experienced with your firearm, or the work you wish tohave done. Merely stating that the firearm “needs repair” is inadequate information.State precisely what is wrong. Please enclose copies of any previous correspondence.

All work performed is subject to a minimum labor charge and charges for shippingand handling. Most models can be reblued, but custom gunsmithing service ornonstandard alterations are NOT AVAILABLE from Ruger Customer ServiceDepartments. Please contact the Customer Service Department for pricinginformation.

WARNING—BEFORE SHIPPING ANY FIREARM,BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT THE FIREARMAND ITS MAGAZINE ARE UNLOADED. DO NOTSHIP CARTRIDGES WITH A FIREARM.

35

ORDERING PARTSPlease contact the Prescott, Arizona Customer Service Department for partsavailability and current prices. All parts ordered for the RUGER® MARK IIITMshould be sent to: Ruger, Parts Department, 200 Ruger Road, Prescott, AZ86301-6181, telephone: (928) 541-8892.

We cannot comply with open account or C.O.D. requests. Payment in full viacredit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover only), money order or certified bankcheck (no personal checks or cash, please) is required before any service will beperformed. Please provide your credit card number, your name as it appears onthe credit card, the expiration date and 3-digit security code. All parts orders aresubject to a minimum charge and charges for shipping and handling. Orderparts by Part Name and specify the model and the entire serial number of thefirearm for which the parts are being ordered. There is a minimum labor chargeplus a shipping and handling charge if the parts are factory fitted. All factoryfitted parts are fit on an exchange basis only. We will not return the replacedparts. Please contact the Customer Service Department for pricing information.

*Parts designated by an asterisk must be factory fitted. These parts are fitted onan exchange basis only. We will not return the replaced parts. We will not returnany part that is broken, malfunctioning, badly worn or has been modified. See“Warning – Parts Purchasers” above.

Because it is a serial-numbered component, the RUGER® MARK IIITM pistolbarrel/receiver assembly is defined as a “firearm” by Federal Law and is notoffered for sale separately.

WARNING: A gun containing broken, malfunctioning or badlyworn parts should not be fired.

• It is the purchaser’s responsibility to beabsolutely certain that any parts ordered fromthe factory are correctly fitted and installed.

• Firearms are complicated mechanisms andIMPROPER FITTING OF PARTS MAY RESULTIN A DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION, DAMAGETO THE FIREARM, AND SERIOUS INJURY TOTHE SHOOTER AND OTHER PERSONS.

• The purchaser and installer of parts mustaccept full responsibility for the correctadjustment and functioning of the firearmafter such installation.

PARTS MUST FIT CORRECTLY

WARNING–PARTS PURCHASERS

36

RUGER®MARK III™

PARTS LISTDesign, prices and specifications subject to change without notice.

SPECIFY MODEL, CALIBER, AND SERIAL NO. WHEN ORDERING(See Exploded Views on pages 38, 39 & 42)

Key No. Part Name* 1 Barrel/Receiver Assembly

2 Front Sight3 Front Sight Screw4 Barrel/Receiver Filler Screws, 3 Req’d5 Loaded Chamber Indicator6 Loaded Chamber Indicator Spring7 Loaded Chamber Indicator Pin

Rear Sight Assembly, Complete -(Will Not Work on Standard Models)

Includes Key Nos. 8 - 16 8 Rear Sight Body9 Rear Sight Pivot Pin10 Rear Sight Elevation Spring11 Rear Sight Base12 Rear Sight Elevation Screw13 Rear Sight Blade14 Rear Sight Windage Spring15 Rear Sight Windage Adjustment Screw16 Rear Sight Base Set Screw

Bolt Assembly, Complete - Includes Key Nos. 17 - 25

* 17 Bolt, Only18 Firing Pin Stop19 Rebound Spring20 Rebound Spring Support21 Firing Pin22 Recoil Spring Assembly23 Extractor Spring24 Extractor Plunger25 Extractor

* 26 Grip Frame with Trigger Guard* 27 Trigger

28 Trigger Spring29 Trigger Spring Plunger30 Trigger Pivot Retainer31 Bolt Stop Assembly (See Notes A & B on Pages 38 & 39)32 Bolt Stop Plunger (See Notes A & B on Pages 38 & 39)

* PARTS SO MARKED MUST BE FACTORY FIT

37

Key No. Part Name33 Bolt Stop Plunger Spg. (See Notes A & B on Pages 38 & 39)34 Trigger Pivot Pin

* 35 Safety Assembly, Complete* 36 Hammer Assembly, Complete

37 Magazine Disconnector Spring38 Magazine Disconnector

* 39 Disconnector Assembly40 Hammer Bushing41 Sear Spring43 Bolt Stop Thumbpiece44 Hammer Pivot Pin (See WARNING, below)45 Magazine Latch46 Magazine Latch Spring47 Magazine Latch Spring Plunger48 Magazine Latch Screw49 Sear Pivot Pin50 Sear Spring Stop Pin51 Magazine Latch Pin, 2 Req’d

* 52 Mainspring Housing Assembly53 Lock Pin54 Spring Back-up Pin55 LockDetent Plunger56 Lock Detent Plunger Spring57 Hammer Spring Plunger58 Hammer Spring59 Mainspring Housing Detent Ball60 Mainspring Housing Latch61 Mainspring Housing Latch Pin62 Grip Frame Filler63 Grip Panels Sold In Pairs, Only64 Grip Panel Screw, 2 Req’d65 Magazine, Complete (10-round)66 Internal Lock Key67 Scope Mount Base, Weaver-Style, with Screws

(See NOTE C, page 42)68 Scope Base Screws, 3 Req’d (also sold w/ Scope Base)

(See NOTE C, page 42)

Also Available, but Not IllustratedFront SightCase with Gun Lock

* PARTS SO MARKED MUST BE FACTORY FIT

WARNING regarding non-Ruger Grip Panels. Note: The Hammer Pin (Key No. 44) is preventedfrom drifting out of the left side of the Grip Frame by contact with the inner surface of the leftGrip Panel. Therefore, be certain that the clearance cut in the left Grip Panel is the correct depthto maintain the Hammer Pivot fully seated in the Grip Frame.

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RUGER® MARK IIITM

EXPLODED VIEWNote A — The Bolt Stop components in this group are for holding open the bolt and arenot functionally related to the Bolt Stop Pin and Bolt Stop Pin Pivot. These two latercomponents are attached to the Mainspring Housing Assembly (Key No. 52). See partsdrawing below for relationship of parts.

Front and rear sightsfor the Target Modelsare not adaptable toStandard Models.

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RUGER® 22/45TM

EXPLODED VIEWNote B — The Bolt Stop components in this group are for holding open the bolt and arenot functionally related to the Bolt Stop Pin and Bolt Stop Pin Pivot. These two latercomponents are attached to the Mainspring Housing Assembly (Key No. 52). See partsdrawing below for relationship of parts.

Front and rear sightsfor the Target Modelsare not adaptable toStandard Models.

COMPONENT PARTS FOR22/45TM WITH REPLACEABLE GRIP PANELS

PLEASE NOTE: Your new 22/45TM pistol is equipped with replaceable grip panels. To avoidcracking the panels, it is important you do not overtighten the grip panel screws (Key Nos. 6or 10).

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Key Part Name1 Frame2 Bolt Open Stop Assembly3 Hammer Pin4 Auto Grip Panel – Slim, Left5 Auto Grip Panel – Slim, Right6 Grip Panel Screw – Slim, 4 Req’d7 Grip Screw Bushing – Slim, 4 Req’d8 Auto Grip Panel – Standard, Left9 Auto Grip Panel – Standard, Right10 Grip Panel Screw – Standard, 4 Req’d11 Grip Screw Bushing – Standard, 4 Req’d12 Hex Wrench

MODEL P45GMK3PRRPSUPPLEMENTAL PARTS LIST & EXPLODED VIEW

MODEL P45GMK3RPSUPPLEMENTAL PARTS LIST & EXPLODED VIEW

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Key Part Name

1 Barrel Cap2 Barrel Cap Spring3 1913-Style Accessory Rail4 Accessory Rail Screws, 5 Req’d5 1913-Style Scope Base

Key Part Name

1 Barrel Cap2 Barrel Cap Spring3 Rear Sight4 Front Sight5 Front Sight Screw

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NOTE C— Scope mount bases and rings will fit all RUGER® MARK IIITMand 22/45TM pistols. The MARK IIITM Target, Hunter, and Competition modelsare drilled and tapped at the factory. The MARK IIITM Standard models can bedrilled and tapped by our Arizona Customer Service Department. Please contactthem at 928-541-8892 for price and shipping information.

RUGER® WEAVER-STYLESCOPE MOUNT BASE

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THE BASIC RULES OF SAFE FIREARMS HANDLINGWe believe that Americans have a right to purchase and use firearms for lawfulpurposes. The private ownership of firearms in America is traditional, but thatownership imposes the responsibility on the gun owner to use his firearms ina way which will ensure his own safety and that of others. When firearms areused in a safe and responsible manner, they are a great source of pleasure andsatisfaction, and represent a fundamental part of our personal liberty.

Firearms do not cause accidents! Firearms accidents are almost always foundto have been the result of carelessness or ignorance on the part of the shooterof the basic rules of safe gun handling.

The following rules must be observed by gun users at all times. Safe gunhandling is not just desirable, it is absolutely essential to your safety, the safetyof others, and the continuation of gun ownership and sport shooting as weknow it today.

1. LEARN THE MECHANICAL AND HANDLINGCHARACTERISTICS OF THE FIREARM YOU ARE USING.

Not all firearms are the same. Themethod of carrying and handlingfirearms varies in accordance with themechanical provisions for avoidingaccidental discharge and the variousproper procedures for loading andunloading. No person should handle anyfirearm without first having thoroughlyfamiliarized himself with the particulartype of firearm he is using, and with safegun handling in general.

2. ALWAYS KEEP THEMUZZLE POINTED IN ASAFE DIRECTION.

Be sure of the bullet stop behind yourtarget, even when dry-firing. Never letthe muzzle of a firearm point at any partof your body or at another person. This isparticularly important when loading orunloading a firearm. In the event of anaccidental discharge, no injury can occuras long as the muzzle is pointing in a safedirection. A safe direction means adirection that will not permit adischarged bullet to strike a person, or tostrike an object from which the bulletmay ricochet.

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A safe direction must take into account the fact that a bullet maypenetrate a wall, ceiling, floor, window, etc., and strike a person ordamage property. Make it a habit to know exactly where the muzzle ofyour gun is pointing whenever you handle it, and be sure that you arealways in control of the direction in which the muzzle is pointing, evenif you fall or stumble. Keep your finger off the trigger until you areready to shoot!

3. FIREARMS SHOULD BE UNLOADED WHEN NOT INUSE.

Firearms should be loaded onlywhen you are in the field or onthe target range or shooting area,ready to shoot. Firearms andammunition should be securelylocked in safes, racks or cabinets,or by using the locking devicesupplied with the firearm, whennot in use. Ammunition shouldbe safely stored separate fromfirearms. Store your firearms outof sight of visitors and children.It is the gun owner’sresponsibility to be certain that

children and persons unfamiliar with firearms cannot gain access tofirearms, ammunition, or components.

4. BE SURE THE BARREL IS CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTIONSBEFORE SHOOTING.

Even a bit of mud, snow or excesslubricating oil or grease in thebore may cause the barrel to bulge,or even burst on firing, and cancause serious injury to the shooterand bystanders. Be sure that youare using ammunition of theproper caliber and loading for thegun you are using. If the report orrecoil on firing seems weak, ordoesn’t seem quite right, CEASEFIRING IMMEDIATELY, unloadyour firearm, and check to be surethat no obstruction has becomelodged in the barrel.

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2 3

5. BE SURE OF YOURTARGET BEFORE YOUSHOOT.Don’t shoot unless you knowexactly where your bullet is goingto strike. Be sure of the bulletstop behind your target, evenwhen dry-firing with an unloadedgun. If you are in the fieldhunting, do not fire at amovement or noise. Take the timeto be absolutely certain of yourtarget before you pull the trigger.

6. WEAR SHOOTINGGLASSES AND HEARINGPROTECTION WHENYOU SHOOT.All shooters should wearprotective shooting glasses andadequate hearing protection whenshooting. Exposure to shootingnoise can damage hearing, andwearing adequate eye protectionwhen shooting is essential.

7. NEVER CLIMB A TREEOR FENCE WITH ALOADED FIREARM.Put the firearm down carefullybefore climbing a fence, andunload it before climbing ordescending a tree or jumping overa ditch or other obstruction.Never pull or push a loadedfirearm toward yourself or anotherperson. When in doubt, orwhenever you are about to doanything awkward, unload yourgun!

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8. DON’T SHOOT AT AHARD SURFACE OR ATWATER.Bullets can glance off manysurfaces like rocks or the surfaceof water and travel inunpredictable directions withconsiderable velocity.

9. NEVER TRANSPORT ALOADED FIREARM.Firearms should always beunloaded before being placed in avehicle. A suitable carrying caseor scabbard should be used tocarry an unloaded firearm to andfrom the shooting area.

10. AVOID ALCOHOLICBEVERAGES WHENSHOOTING.Don’t drink until the day’sshooting is over. Handlingfirearms while under theinfluence of alcohol in any form,or medications that could affectyour judgment or coordination,constitutes a criminal disregardfor the safety of others.

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A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF AN EXTRAORDINARYACHIEVEMENT: RUGER® FIREARMS

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., had its beginning in a small machineshop occupying a rented frame building in Southport, Connecticut. InJanuary, 1949, with an initial investment of only $50,000 and an idea,William B. Ruger and Alexander M. Sturm started production of a .22caliber autoloading pistol–a design which was so successful that itbecame the cornerstone upon which one of the most comprehensivelines of sporting firearms ever made in America was established. AfterAlex Sturm’s death in 1951, William B. Ruger continued to direct theCompany until his death in 2002. William B. Ruger, Jr. continued toprovide guidance, which helped make this Company a sound andsuccessful enterprise, until his retirement in 2006. The Company hascontinued to prosper, under new management and guidance from ourBoard, with new products and fresh perspectives.

Ruger, in this relatively short time, has established itself as a leadingsmall arms design organization, developing a unique and broad line offine quality sporting, military and police firearms to become one of theworld’s most famous producers of revolvers, pistols, rifles and shotguns.Since 1949, Ruger craftsmen have built many millions of firearms.

During its five decades of growth and progress under the leadership ofWilliam B. Ruger, the Company developed a business philosophy andimplemented policies which represent a constructive influence in the lifeof modern America. From the beginning, Ruger played a positive role inconservation efforts and has supported the interests of shooters throughsuch groups as the National Rifle Association, National Shooting SportsFoundation, and many regional sportsmen’s organizations.

The Company has always endeavored to market its firearms forconstructive and recreational purposes, to emphasize the traditional andresponsible aspects of shooting, to render meaningful public services,and to encourage shooters in constructive, responsible, and safeparticipation in the shooting sports. Its motto, “Arms Makers ForResponsible Citizens®,” exemplifies this Company philosophy.

Today, Ruger® is particularly mindful of those elements which havecontributed to the creation of its success, and extends heartfelt thanks toits many loyal employees and customers.

The firearms catalog, and instruction manuals for all Ruger® firearms,can be downloaded from our website at:

www.ruger.com

STURM, RUGER & Company, Inc.200 Ruger Road

Prescott, Arizona 86301 U.S.A.www.ruger.com

Arms Makers For Responsible Citizens®

A COPY OF THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR ANY RUGER®

FIREARM IS AVAILABLE FROM THE FACTORY FREE ON REQUEST, OR IT MAY BEDOWNLOADED FROM OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.RUGER.COM.

THESE INSTRUCTION MANUALS CONTAIN IMPORTANTWARNINGS WHICH MUST BE UNDERSTOOD

BEFORE USING THESE FIREARMS.

The Following are Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. Trademarks: “BX-Trigger,” “Bisley,” Eagle “SR,” “Elite 452,”“Gold Label,” “It’s Mine and It’s American,” “LC6,” “LCR-357,” “LCRx,” “Mark II,” “Mark III,” “MatchChampion,” “Model 96,” “P345D,” “P345PR,” “P85,” “P90,” “P91,” “P93,” “P94,” “P95,” “P97,” “RugerMarksman Adjustable,” “Ruger 77/50,” “Ruger 10/17,” “77/357,” “Single-Seven,” “SR45,” “SR-556C,” “SR-556VT,” “SR-762,” “10/22-FS,” “22 Charger,” “22/45,” and “22/45 RP.”

The Following are Registered U.S. Trademarks Belonging to Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.: “RUGER,”Sturm,Ruger Logo,” “AC-556,” “AR-556,” “Arms Makers For Responsible Citizens,” “All-Weather,” “Bearcat,”“Blackhawk,” “BX-15,” “BX-25,” Eagle “R,” “GP100,” Hard “R” Logo, “Hawkeye,” “LC380,” “LC9,” “LC9s,”“LCP,” “LCR,” “M77,” “Mini Thirty,” “Mini-14,” “9E,” “Old Army,” “Power Bedding,” “P345,” “Redhawk,”“Ruger American Rifle,” “Ruger American Rimfire,” “Ruger Hunting,” “Ruger Hunting” Logo, “Ruger Inside& Out” phrase & logo design, “Ruger 77/17,” “Ruger 77/22,” “Ruger 77/44,” “Ruger SP101,” “Ruger 10/22Takedown” phrase & logo design, “Ruger Titanium,” “Ruger 22/45 Lite,” “Ruger Vaquero,” “Rugged, ReliableFirearms,” “Security-Six,” “Service-Six,” “Single-Nine,” “Single-Six,” “Single-Ten,” “Speed-Six,” the “SR”Design, “SR9,” “SR9c,” “SR40,” “SR40c,” “SR-22,” “SR22,” “SR-556,” “SR-556E,” “SR1911,” “Super RedhawkAlaskan,” “Target Grey,” “10/22,” and “10/22 Takedown.”

WHY NO WARRANTY CARD HAS BEENPACKED WITH THIS NEW RUGER® FIREARM

The Magnuson-Moss Act (Public Law 93-637) does not require anyseller or manufacturer of a consumer product to give a writtenwarranty. It does provide that if a written warranty is given, it must bedesignated as “limited” or as “full” and sets minimum standards for a“full” warranty. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. has elected not toprovide any written warranty, either “limited” or “full”, rather than toattempt to comply with the provisions of the Magnuson-Moss Act andthe regulations issued thereunder. There are certain implied warrantiesunder state law with respect to sales of consumer goods. As the extentand interpretation of these implied warranties varies from state tostate, you should refer to your state statutes. Sturm, Ruger &Company wishes to assure its customers of its continued interest inproviding service to owners of Ruger® firearms.